Rodolfo Casanova

Rodolfo Casanova, also known as Baby Casanova or Chango Casanova (born June 21, 1915 in León, Guanajuato, deceased November 23, 1980), was a Mexican boxer in the Featherweight division. He was also the first Mexican to fight a Puerto Rican in the Mexico – Puerto Rico boxing rivalry.

Early life

Rodolfo was born during the Mexican Revolution, his father Don Rafael Casanova died in that war. His mother moved the family to Mexico City after the death. He grew very poor and started boxing only after his older brother Carlos, an amateur boxer, had no official government backing to attend the 1928 Summer Olympics.

Professional career

World Bantamweight Championship

In his first attempt at a world title, Casanova lost to Sixto Escobar the World Bantamweight Champion. This would be the first world title fight between a Mexican and a Puerto Rican.